Best Hotels in Atlanta Near the Georgia Aquarium: Where to Stay in the Heart of Downtown

Looking for hotels in Atlanta near the Aquarium? The Georgia Aquarium, at 225 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313, sits in the middle of Downtown’s tourist hub. Staying nearby means you can walk to the aquarium, World of Coca‑Cola, Centennial Olympic Park, the College Football Hall of Fame, State Farm Arena, and several MARTA stations.

This guide focuses on Atlanta hotels within an easy walk or quick ride of the Georgia Aquarium, plus how to choose the right area, what to expect on price, and practical tips for parking, families, and public transit.

Understanding the Area Around the Georgia Aquarium

The Georgia Aquarium is part of the Centennial Park District in Downtown Atlanta. When you search for hotels near the aquarium, you’re usually looking at three main zones:

1. Centennial Park / Direct Walk Zone
   Hotels that are a 5–10 minute walk from the aquarium, mainly around:

   • Baker St NW
   • Luckie St NW
   • Marietta St NW
   • Centennial Olympic Park Dr NW

2. Core Downtown (Peachtree / CNN Center / Peachtree Center area)
   Still very close – often 10–15 minutes on foot or a short rideshare. Convenient for:

   • Business travelers
   • People using MARTA rail (Peachtree Center, GWCC/CNN Center, or Five Points stations)

3. Nearby Neighborhoods with Easy Access
   Not “next door” but convenient if you want a different vibe:

   • Midtown (one to two MARTA stops away)
   • Westside / Howell Mill (short drive)

Most visitors who specifically ask for hotels in Atlanta near the aquarium end up staying in the Centennial Park / Downtown zone, because walking to attractions is the main priority.

Quick Overview: Hotels Very Close to the Georgia Aquarium

The walking distances below are approximate and based on typical routes to the aquarium entrance on Baker St NW.

If you want minimum walking and maximum convenience, focus on Centennial Park area hotels.

Hotels Within a Short Walk of the Georgia Aquarium

These are the most convenient options if your priority is being able to walk to the aquarium and back easily, especially with kids or older adults.

1. Centennial Park District Hotels (Closest Cluster)

Most of the hotels immediately around the Georgia Aquarium sit within a tight grid of streets that ring Centennial Olympic Park. Typical walking times: 3–8 minutes.

Things you can generally expect from this cluster:

• Easy walk to:
  • Georgia Aquarium
  • World of Coca‑Cola
  • Centennial Olympic Park playgrounds and greenspace
  • State Farm Arena and Mercedes‑Benz Stadium (longer walk but still doable)
• Rates that trend higher on:
  • Weekends
  • Major sports games or concerts
  • Big conventions at the Georgia World Congress Center
• On-site or nearby paid parking, often structured garages

This area is usually ideal if:

• You’re visiting with kids and want to limit transportation hassles
• You’re in town mainly for tourist attractions around Centennial Park
• You prefer to avoid driving once you park the car

Downtown Atlanta Hotels Very Close to the Aquarium

If you’re open to a slightly longer but still manageable walk, the core of Downtown Atlanta gives you more hotel variety while keeping you near the aquarium.

2. Peachtree Center Area Hotels

Located around Peachtree St NE and connected by elevated walkways in the Peachtree Center complex, these hotels are typically 10–15 minutes on foot or a quick rideshare away from the aquarium.

Why people choose this area:

• Easy MARTA access
  • Peachtree Center Station (Red/Gold line) connects to:
    • Hartsfield‑Jackson Atlanta International Airport
    • Midtown and Buckhead
• Weather flexibility
  • In bad weather, elevated walkways and connected shops/restaurants can be helpful
• Good balance of business-friendly and tourist-friendly amenities

This zone works well if:

• You’re combining work downtown with aquarium or Centennial Park sightseeing
• You prefer to rely on public transit instead of renting a car
• You don’t mind a slightly longer walk to save on hotel rate or get more options

Midtown & Other Nearby Neighborhoods: Easy Access, Different Vibe

If you don’t have to be right next to the aquarium door but still want easy access, consider Midtown or nearby intown areas.

3. Midtown Atlanta Hotels

Midtown is north of Downtown and offers a more neighborhood-like feel with lots of dining and nightlife, plus easy transit.

Key points:

• Distance to the aquarium
  • About 10–15 minutes by car, depending on traffic
  • Or 1–2 MARTA stops from Midtown or Arts Center Station to Peachtree Center / Five Points, then a walk or transfer to the GWCC/CNN Center area
• Nearby attractions
  • High Museum of Art
  • Atlanta Symphony Hall
  • Piedmont Park and the Atlanta BeltLine (Eastside Trail access nearby)

Who this suits best:

• Visitors who want lively evenings and a more local-feeling neighborhood
• People planning to explore more than just Downtown
• Atlantans hosting out-of-town guests who may split time between Midtown and Downtown

4. Westside / Atlantic Station / Howell Mill

These areas west of Midtown and north of Downtown have a more modern, mixed-use character with shopping, dining, and loft-style developments.

• Typically 10–20 minutes by car to the Georgia Aquarium
• Less walkable to the aquarium itself, but good if:
  • You’re comfortable driving in and out of Downtown
  • You want easier parking and a bit more residential feel
  • You plan to explore West Midtown restaurants, breweries, and retail

What to Consider When Choosing a Hotel Near the Aquarium

1. How Close Do You Really Need to Be?

Ask yourself:

• Will you visit the aquarium once, or go multiple times during your stay?
• Are you traveling with young kids, strollers, or older adults?
• Do you plan to walk to other Downtown attractions?

If you plan multiple visits or have family members who tire easily, a Centennial Park District hotel is usually worth the premium for walkability.

If you’re only doing one aquarium visit, staying a little farther away (Midtown, Westside, or Peachtree Center) may give you better value or a more interesting neighborhood.

2. Parking & Transportation

Parking rules and rates in Downtown Atlanta can surprise out-of-town visitors.

Common patterns:

• Hotel parking is often:
  • Valet-only or valet + self-park
  • Charged per night, sometimes with in/out privileges
• Public garages near the aquarium may be:
  • Less expensive for day parking
  • Less convenient if you’re hauling luggage or small children

If you plan to drive:

• Factor parking cost and in/out access into your budget, not just the room rate.
• Consider parking once and using walking, MARTA, or rideshare for the rest of your stay.

If you prefer public transit:

• The closest MARTA rail access is via:
  • GWCC/CNN Center Station (Blue/Green line)
  • Peachtree Center Station (Red/Gold line), followed by a walk
• From the airport, you can usually:
  • Take MARTA directly to Peachtree Center, then walk or rideshare to your hotel.

3. Safety & Comfort

Downtown Atlanta is heavily trafficked by visitors, especially around Centennial Olympic Park and major attractions. As in most city centers:

• Expect a mix of tourists, office workers, and event crowds
• Be aware of your surroundings, especially late at night or when it’s less busy
• Use common city precautions:
  • Keep valuables secure
  • Stick to well-lit, main routes between the aquarium and your hotel
  • Use rideshare if you’re unsure about walking after dark

Many visitors choose hotels directly facing the park or main streets because late-night foot traffic and lighting feel more comfortable.

4. Families, Groups, and Special Needs

For families with kids:

• Look for rooms with:
  • Two queen beds or suites with sofa beds
  • On-site or nearby quick-service dining options
  • Easy elevator access – tall high-rises can have busy elevator banks at peak times
• Being able to walk back to the hotel for naps, snacks, or a break in the middle of the day can make a big difference.

For groups traveling together:

• Check whether the hotel:
  • Offers connecting rooms or larger suites
  • Has common areas where you can gather (lobby seating, lounges, etc.)
• If you’re in town for a game or concert at State Farm Arena or Mercedes‑Benz Stadium, hotels close to both the aquarium and the venues can simplify logistics.

For accessibility:

• Ask the hotel directly about:
  • Accessible rooms and bathrooms
  • Curb cuts and ramp access
  • Distance and route to the aquarium if mobility is limited

The Georgia Aquarium itself has detailed accessibility features, so pairing that with a nearby hotel that supports your mobility needs can make the visit smoother.

Planning Your Stay Around an Aquarium Visit

When to Visit

Atlanta’s tourism around the aquarium peaks during:

• Spring break and summer school holidays
• Weekends during big events or festivals
• Holiday seasons (especially December)

To avoid the heaviest crowds:

• Consider weekday mornings for your aquarium visit
• Check calendars for Falcons games, Hawks games, concerts, and conventions, as these can drive both hotel prices and foot traffic up

Booking Strategy

To get the most out of your hotel near the Georgia Aquarium:

• Compare:
  • Room rate
  • Parking cost
  • Resort or destination fees, if any
  • Cancellation policy
• Decide whether walkability or budget matters more:
  • If you want maximum convenience, focus on Centennial Park District hotels
  • If you’re more budget-conscious, consider Midtown or other intown neighborhoods and plan a short ride to the aquarium

Getting to the Aquarium from Your Hotel

From most downtown hotels, you can:

• Walk: Follow signs toward Centennial Olympic Park and then to Baker St NW
• Use rideshare: Set “Georgia Aquarium” as the destination; your driver will typically drop you on or near Baker St
• Drive and park: The aquarium’s main parking deck is generally accessed from Luckie St NW or Ivan Allen Jr Blvd NW (check for current signage and entrance updates when you arrive)

Helpful Local Details to Keep in Mind

• Georgia Aquarium address:
  225 Baker St NW
  Atlanta, GA 30313

• Nearby landmarks for orientation:

  • World of Coca‑Cola is adjacent, often visible from many nearby hotel windows.
  • Centennial Olympic Park runs south of the aquarium; if you can see the park, you’re close.
  • State Farm Arena and Mercedes‑Benz Stadium are southwest of the aquarium, across and beyond the park.

• Weather considerations:

  • Summers in Atlanta are hot and humid; being within a 5–10 minute walk can reduce discomfort.
  • Afternoon thunderstorms are common in warmer months; having a hotel very nearby makes it easier to duck back inside if the weather turns quickly.

Staying in a hotel near the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta puts you at the center of the city’s main attractions, with easy access to parks, museums, and major event venues. By choosing the right Downtown, Centennial Park, or nearby neighborhood hotel for your budget and travel style, you can make your aquarium visit—and your time in Atlanta—much smoother and more enjoyable.